Angela Amarualik Bridges the Distance Between Two Worlds with “Stranger Of My Kind”
From the remote, far northern reaches of Nunavut to the glistening towers of metropolitan Montréal, there is a world of difference in environment, culture, and language. However, music is one very powerful way to make a universally identifiable and relatable connection between those worlds. Award-winning, chart-topping Inuk songwriter, throat-singer, and educator Angela Amarualik has put her personal experiences of navigating both of these worlds into her touching brand new single, “Stranger Of My Kind,” and her upcoming second album Uvannik ᐅᕙᓐᓂᒃ, out now.
Incorporating both Inuktitut and English lyrics, Inuit melodies, and pop instrumentation and production, “Stranger Of My Kind”, is, in and of itself, a beautiful blend of worlds threaded together by Amarualik’s sweet, emotive vocals. Inspired by early 2000’s pop and some of the artists Amarualik listened to while growing up, like Beatrice Deer and Hillary Duff, the song reflects on her experience of leaving her childhood home of Igloolik, Nunavut, moving near the big city of Montréal and missing home.
If I can go back to those I remember, I would be with them, if I could go back. Leave my worries behind, or is this my life?
ᐃᓅᓯᕋ ᐅᑎᕈᓐᓇᕈᓂ, ᓱᖅᑯᐃᒋᔭᒃᑲ ᐅᐸᒃᓯᒪᓚᐅᑲᒡᓗᒋ ᐅᑎᕈᓐᓇᕈᒪ. ᕿᒪᒡᓗᒋ ᑕᐃᒪ ᐃᓱᒫᓘᑎᒃᑲ ᐅᕝᕙᓗᑭᐊᖅ ᑖᓐᓇ ᐃᓅᓯᕆᕙᕋ?
“Stranger Of My Kind” is one of a number of songs on the 2019 Indigenous Music Award winner’s Uvannik ᐅᕙᓐᓂᒃ that explores leaving home to discover one’s identity, loneliness, uncertainty about the future, and ultimately, hope for what lies ahead. Helmed by international hit-making producer and songwriter Chris Birkett (Sinéad O’Connor, Buffy Sainte-Marie), Amarualik’s sophomore release is poised to build on the success of her 2018 self-titled debut, which saw her reach the top of the Indigenous Music Countdown and brought her a Best Inuit, Indigenous Language, or Francophone Album honour and three other Indigenous Music Awards nominations including Best New Artist.
With production originally delayed by the start of our global pandemic, Amarualik’s new album ended up coming together very collaboratively, largely during an artist retreat and workshop hosted by her label, the Inuit artist-focused Hitmakerz, in Ottawa in 2021. Amarualik was one of six artists invited to attend the songwriting and production workshop led by label head Thor Simonsen, along with Joey Nowyuk, Jacob Okatisak, Brenda Montana, Aocelyn, and Shauna Seeteenak. This was where she connected and worked with her producer, Birkett, and collaborated with Ottawa-based artists such as Ash Ravens, whom Amarualik wrote “She” with, a moving tribute to her mother.
In a duet collaboration for “Uvannik” ᐅᕙᓐᓂᒃ with Amarualik, professional throat-singer and fellow Hitmakerz artist, Qattuu, is featured on the track “Sanngijuq.” The song was inspired by a children’s book Qattuu read to her young daughter about confidence and fearlessness. It tells the story of closing one’s eyes and imagining the Northern lights to overcome your fears, being brave, bold, and strong.
Executive Produced by Thor Simonsen and set for release on October 22, Uvannik ᐅᕙᓐᓂᒃ is also supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Government of Nunavut. The support and mentorship that Amarualik has received throughout her blossoming career has made the rising star committed to helping fellow Inuit artists develop. Since releasing and touring behind her 2018 debut, Amarualik has also taught musical workshops to Inuit youth, initially through the mentorship of the acclaimed Inuk artist Kelly Fraser, who tragically died by suicide in 2019.
Amarualik pays tribute to her late mentor and close friend with two tracks on her new album. First is a cover of Dani and Lizzy’s “Dancing in the Sky.” Amarualik said she felt connected to this song because of Fraser’s deep love for music. “I hope she is dancing in the sky today,” she says. The title track, “Uvannik,” is an original that Amarualik wrote in dedication to Fraser as well.
While growing up in a community with many social problems, Amarualik worked hard to overcome extreme shyness, stay positive, improve her circumstances, and eventually lead by example. Through her own deep love for music and Inuit culture and the help of Fraser and other mentors like Thor Simonsen and the Hitmakerz team, Amarualik has become a brave, strong, and independent artist with much to share with the world.
Listen to “Stranger Of My Kind” below and learn more about Angela Amarualik via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Angela Amarualik. I’m a pop singer/songwriter from Igloolik, Nunavut. I like to sing in Inuktitut, teach ukulele, and play with makeup. I’m a Capricorn, my favourite colour is purple, and I’m currently learning French.
You’ve been featured before. Tell us what’s been going on since the spring.
Since I have been featured in Canadian Beats, I have moved to Quebec, got through the pandemic here, recorded another album that recently has been released called “Uvannik,” meaning “by myself,” and I’ve met up with many other artists with the Hitmakerz compound.
Tell us about working with Hitmakerz, how you met them, and what’s the positive stuff they’re doing.
I met Thor Simonsen and Kelly Fraser during their Nunavut tour back in 2017. I attended their workshops and opened for their talent show/concert, and a year later, Thor recorded and produced my first self-titled album that won an Indigenous Music Award in 2019.
I was one of the Artists at the Hitmakerz compound in Ottawa. I met and recorded with my producer for the album Uvannik, Chris Birkett, an award-winning producer, artist, instrumentalist, and everything in between! He had worked with the icon herself, Buffy Sainte-Marie.
Having been with the Hitmakerz, I had memorable tours with the late Kelly Fraser. She taught me a lot about being an artist. She always encouraged me in music and personally, which helped me grow as an artist and person.
Also, during the compound, my favourite parts were getting up in the morning to warm up as a team, start the day off in a positive way- by sharing what we are thankful for each morning, and especially using the time we have together to create music! Even having each other was very motivating and inspiring! After almost two years of isolation. It was a perfect way to return to where we were before the pandemic. Hitmakerz is not only a team; it’s a whole family.
Who is a not-miss Canadian artist to catch on tour?
Shauna Seeteenak, Joey Nowyuk, Hyper-T, Looee, Agaaqtoq, Lazarus Qattalik, Fefe Dobson, and Buffy Sainte-Marie.
You’ve been making music for while now. What’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
As a small-town young Inuk, it is normal to be shy because we live in such remote places. It is tough to be shy with such big dreams. Yes, you’ll think of quitting. Yes, it’ll feel like too much, and you will learn! You will learn to socialize, you will get less shy as you grow, and the more you put yourself out there.
I felt like I will be shy forever- but a few moments ago, I realized that “little me” would never have thought I’d be on tour with a Nunavut star! That I’d be traveling alone to shows. You can do so much if you put your heart into it and always remember your little self.